The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant John A. Witkoski (MCSN: 0-13276), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a platoon leader attached to the THIRD Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Empress Augusta Bay Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands on December 17, 1943. Subjected to devastating enemy machine gun and rifle fire while leading his platoon in an attack against strong hostile entrenchments, First Lieutenant Witkoski was forced to withdraw during the initial assault leaving a wounded Marine behind. Gallantly risking his life to effect a rescue he courageously pressed forward under fire from two enemy machine guns and with the assistance of another Marine, carried the injured man to safety. First Lieutenant Witkoski’s splendid initiative during aggressiveness and great personal valor in the face of grave peril reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.